Former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has warned Nigerians and football enthusiasts not to put the Super Eagles under pressure.

He warned fans against setting unrealistic targets, adding that “It will be a huge achievement if the Eagles could get out of the group stage and after which anything can happen”.

Okocha, who is widely regarded as the best Nigerian player of his generation and one of Africa’s greatest players of all time, said that the group D pairing is difficult.

The Super Eagles will play Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D of the tournament in Russia.

Speaking with SuperSport, the 44-year-old said,

“It will be a huge achievement if you could get out of the group stage and after which anything can happen,” said Okocha.

“We should be careful not to set unrealistic targets for the team.” Nigeria is drawn in the first round against Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

Okocha also said that playing for Nigeria was the pinnacle of his career.

“It doesn’t get any better to play for Nigeria. It was not for the money, but the pride to represent 160 million people is priceless.

“It was the pinnacle of my career,” he said. “Football is not just a sport in Nigeria, it’s not just part of the religion or the culture, it is life.

“It is a great opportunity to eradicate poverty with football. “With football, we have a voice.”